Masks banned at ‘Joker’ screenings in US theatre chain

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Joaquin Phoenix in a scene from "Joker," in theaters on Oct. 4. Alarmed by violence depicted in a trailer for the upcoming movie “Joker,” some relatives of victims of the 2012 Aurora movie theater shooting asked distributor Warner Bros. on Tuesday to commit to gun control causes. Twelve people were killed in the suburban Denver theater during a midnight showing of the Batman film, “The Dark Knight Rises,” also distributed by Warner Bros. (Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)
Image Credit: AP

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The Landmark Theaters chain will ban costumes and masks for moviegoers during screenings of the film ‘Joker’, it said on Thursday, following concerns expressed by families involved in a 2012 mass shooting during a Batman film in Colorado.

The Los Angeles-based chain, which runs 52 theatres in 27 markets, said it wanted customers to enjoy the film as a “cinematic achievement.” “But no masks, painted faces or costumes will be permitted into our theatres,” it said in a statement to Reuters.

The film opens in the UAE on October 3.

Landmark joins the nation’s largest movie chain, Kansas-based AMC Theatres, which has banned masks in theatres since the Colorado massacre that killed a dozen and wounded scores, and re-affirmed that ban.

AMC, which runs more than 650 cinemas, reminded customers this week that while it allowed costumes, it did not allow masks.

“Guests are welcome to come dressed in costume, but we do not permit masks, face paint or any object that conceals the face,” it said in a statement widely reported in the media, including Variety.

Landmark did not give a reason for its ban.

But it follows a letter from the families of some victims of the shooting at a 2012 showing of the Batman movie, ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ in Aurora, Colorado, to Warner Bros, the studio behind the ‘Joker,’ expressing concern.

Some of those at the midnight screening in the packed Aurora theatre had been wearing costumes. The mass shooting at the Century 16 Theatre multiplex owned by Cinemark USA Inc killed 12 and wounded 70.

The gunman, James Holmes, is serving multiple life sentences after being convicted of mass murder, despite pleading not guilty by reason of insanity.

The new film depicts the mental breakdown of the Joker character, the nemesis of Batman in various movie, television and comic book adaptations, that leads to violence.

The families’ letter also urged Warner Bros to end political contributions to candidates who take money from the National Rifle Association and to fund gun violence intervention programs.

In response, Warner Bros issued a statement of sympathy for the victims and their families, Entertainment Weekly said.

“Our company has a long history of donating to victims of violence, including Aurora, and in recent weeks, our parent company joined other business leaders to call on policymakers to enact bipartisan legislation to address this epidemic,” Warner Bros said, media reported.

But the movie does not endorse real-world violence and does not hold up the Batman villain as a hero, it added.

Los Angeles police aim to step up visibility during the film’s opening weekend.

“The Los Angeles Police Department is aware of public concerns and the historical significance associated with the premiere of the Joker,” it said in a statement to Reuters.

“While there are no credible threats in the Los Angeles area, the department will maintain high visibility around movie theatres when it opens.” Aurora police have said Cinemark will not screen ‘Joker’ at the Colorado multiplex, where they continue to provide enhanced security.

“We recognise this release may cause concern for the families, friends, first responders and beyond,” police said in a statement on Wednesday.

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